Yumeya

Lighter rods cast lighter lures better, physics prove that. A lighter bait will load a lighter blank vs a heavy blank and get better distance. The only moderate action rod I own is my crankbait rod.

.006" braid to 8lb flourocarbon leader.

Out of what you have listed I would go with- NRX Conquest Black Widow-although I have heard awesome things about these rods I have never tried one. Destroyer=adrena Expride

I have the 7'4" MH and love it. There is not many crankbaits this rod could not handle...

I've always had awesome customer service from Shimano/Gloomis.

I love the FG knot, sure it takes about 20 extra seconds but the knot only having one tag end and being super thin and strong is the best leader knot I have ever used. It excels at going through guides and did I mention its super strong

I own both and like both but favor shimano a bit more.

10lb braid to a 8lb flourocarbon leader for spinning. 20lb braid to a 10lb flourocarbon leader for casting. Those two are my most used...

Never had any issues with any Shimano reels I have used. I'm also running a lot of 500 size sedona's and sahara's during ice fishing season. But at the end of the day I do prefer my reels that are made in Japan by Shimano and Daiwa.

At this time I only own one Daiwa reel, its the Certate. I also have a couple Stella's and IMO the Stella is the nicer more refined reel but it does also cost more. The Certate is a d**n awesome reel.

Like and love both, I could get away with just using a spinning rod for all my fishing except Muskie fishing but you can even use a spinning rod for that if you really want to. I do however prefer a spinning rod for lighter offerings/finesse fishing.

All lakes in Utah are still open to my knowledge.

Waiting for the Metanium 20 to be released in left hand. Love my Bantam MGL and my Stella reels also.....